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Mr Haigney said: “Customers will find it hard to argue that it’s a bad thing for them to be so cheap but local independent gyms cannot survive or compete against these aggressive, well-funded, budget operations.

“If I had the money I would probably undercut the market myself.

Pure Gym will also open in Exeter (Image: Dan Regan)

“It’s capitalism, it’s a lot of people scrambling for the same market.”

In its objection, Snap Fitness 24/7 stated: “The proposal creates a concentration of gyms which will erode the character of the established employment area of Marsh Barton which will cause harm to business and employment opportunities.”

Speaking when The Gym Group’s plans were announced Cllr Phil Bialyk, responsible for the council’s delivery of St Sidwell’s Point, admitted he was worried by its arrival.

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But he says St Sidwell’s Point, which he is confident will be built by May 2020, is aimed at a “different section of the market.”

He likened it to the retail offering on Alphington Road, comparing St Sidwell’s Point to “Sainsbury’s,” and budget 24-hour gyms to “Aldi and Iceland.” Cllr Bialyk added: “My initial reaction is that there is now a trend towards fitness and activity, people are now wanting to be more active. Which we of course welcome.

“Regarding the over provision of gyms in Exeter I do not feel it is a matter for me to be involved in at this stage. We have to deal with this application on its merits. But it is a growing market and we are watching it carefully.

“I cannot say I am not worried but St Sidwell’s Point has always been aimed at families, more of a destination. I don’t think this Marsh Barton gym is going to have a pool.

“You’re not going to have a family say ‘where are we going today?’ ‘well, we’re going to a gym in Marsh Barton’ are you?”